With a powerful story line and an author with a strong commitment to vivid character portrayal, ‘Mariard: Volume One’ dazzles the reader and stands out as an accomplished feat of fantasy storytelling. As characters emerge and the plot unwinds, the world of the Mariard comes alive, paradoxically strikingly unique but, at times, wholly familiar. The time honoured duel between good and evil is set out from the outset, and carries us tantalisingly through a sequence of emotion to the fascinating denouement.

Artmemis, the mystical priestess, foretells the fall of the Mariard world and sets in place plans to ensure future survival. When, through the predestined corruption of the Kings son, Marcale, the Necropolin take command, it is left to the following generations to fight for the kingdom. Vieanne, the Kings daughter, has two ‘gifted’ children who grow up to represent their people and whose destiny it is to conquer the evil twins of the Necropolin leader. As the true depths of their ‘gifting’ develop, other characters take centre stage and unexpected twists and turn both help and hinder their advance.

The story at its most simple is a powerful account of the forces of good fighting evil, but different characters bring varying aspects to the plot. Far from confining the battlefield to a place for men, women play an equally important role in the action, both in terms of violence and compassion. Sacrifice, love, guilt and passion are bundled up together in a flashing novel of significant value.

As the novel progresses we come to question who is in control, and how much power the characters have over their own destiny. As each character comes to understand their gifting, we come to wonder whether they are indeed pawns for a greater cause. Jones’ abilities to keep the reader guessing contributes to a fast-paced and ever changing narrative that passes us like a whirlwind.

Christine Jones is a masterful storyteller who brings the book to life through vivacious characterisation and a driving plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout. The novel is engaging throughout and we come to empathise with the characters as we see the plot developing in the utterly clear image of the Mariard world. The conclusion to the novel leaves the reader wanting more and has set a significantly high standard against which subsequent volumes will stand.